149 Chapter XII: Deepholm
(General POV)
Three months had passed since the rather... pitiful attempt on Reyvin's life and the subsequent execution of the assassin by way of ravenous spider, and many things had happened in the meantime.
The hastily erected fortress rapidly sprouted into a small adventurer's town, a sea of tents and ramshackle huts now surrounded the pristine magically erected headquarters of the mages, and despite the difficulty, a couple of enterprising traders quickly established themselves and opened multiple essential shops and even an inn, profiting madly from the inflated prices they demanded of the now very wealthy adventurers.
Blackreach was a massive place, and even after such a long time the expedition had barely scratched the surface. Every tiny Dwemer settlement they cleared out contained immense amounts of wealth and potential knowledge, something that the college immediately laid its claim on without a hint of remorse, the grouchy Master of conjuration strongarming his way into possession of any of the more complex artifacts the adventurers found. There was some whinging but fair compensation was given, and everyone knew that the mages held all the authority within the expedition so no one tried anything funny.
After the first month, rumors of wealth and glory had started to spread among certain circles and the town now housed well over four hundred explorers and adventurers. Mercenaries, hedge mages hoping to prove themselves to the college, and even some Companions. Warriors and scholars from all walks of life converged in the settlement, now known as Deepholm.
The discovery of massive soul gem deposits and some very expensive alchemical ingredients also had the effect of the laborer population exploding to well over double their protector's numbers. The people might have been uneasy with such a state of affairs if not for hundreds of automatons, marked with purple Dunmeri runes, patrolling the perimeter at all times.
Not everything was sunshine and rainbows, however. The constant attacks by the Falmer and the ancient Dwemer automata waiting in every nook and cranny ended many an unprepared adventurer. As the expedition progressed deeper into Blackreach, the danger had become so great that any who were unprepared or too eager quickly found themselves becoming a cautionary tale... if their remains were ever found, that is.
Hundreds had died, yet the constant stream of recruits did not stop. The tales of how a successful delver could decorate his whole family in silver drawing the greedy or the desperate like moths to a miniature sun.
In short, the expedition had become a meatgrinder, one built solely for the leaders to enrich themselves with wealth and knowledge, and the meat was all too happy to offer itself up on the altar of progress.
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In a large and fortified stone building that fit snugly near the great lift sat the most active of the Masters Triumvirate. Reyvin Flame-tongue rarely took a break since he first descended, only leaving the deep cavernous city once, and only when he had set up a portal.
His many projects left him with an immense amount of work that required an equally immense amount of multitasking, something he enjoyed very much.
Many developments had occurred during his stay below ground.
After exchanging some letters with the High King it was decided that he would resign from his position as Court Mage, the young King had enough time to get used to Reyvin's general lack of presence and no great crisis had occurred in the meantime so the transition happened with relative ease. He still had his title of Royal Thane so he got to keep his chambers atop the Mage's tower so all he lost was his admittedly large salary.
The only real issue that came with the decision was a rather pouty Sybille who at first refused to speak with Reyvin due to him 'running off at the first opportunity' but some gifts and promises of later visits soon had her relenting and the two spent a couple of days nerding out about everything the Dunmer had discovered in the depths, his vampiric lover even helping him come up with a couple of ideas to streamline his designs.
His research into dwemertech had finally started delivering massive results, the many carcasses he happily bought in exchange for some weak enchantments giving him more research material than he could reasonably waste if he were to just smash parts together and pray for the best. He now had a small army of spheres and spiders, even some freshly forged ballistae, though none were on the level of Gatecrasher as that one was the result of months of focused and expensive work.
The Falmer rejuvenation project was going... as well as can be expected. Hundreds of the captured creatures had ended up exploded or turned into barely more than tumorous sludge, only half a dozen of the more magically adept producing any kind of success with Nightshade proving herself more and more useful as time went on.
Currently Reyvin was happily reading a letter that came with the most recent wave of supplies, the parchment bore the seal of great house Telvanni and next to it lay a bound stack of books and scrolls, the result of his most recent transaction and his first overture to the nobility of Morrowind.
(Flashback, one month after Gabriella's death, Reyvin's POV)
The Argonian was finally getting antsy, the fool almost reacted when I strutted about camp with the captured spider but wisely held himself back.
I kept presenting minor opportunities for him to attack me, only for something to happen that would make any kind of attack impossible.
Each time I perceived him approach I would suddenly twist the conversation into mocking his 'sister', my blessing easily allowing me to do so without arising any kind of suspicion from him and instead drawing out his rage with every passing day.
After making some rather unfortunate remarks about the Argonian population of southern Morrowind, just enough to cross a line in the little murderhobo's mind I left the camp to go for a walk, an enthusiastic walk in the mushroom woods one might call it.
As predicted, a small band of Falmer ambushed me and I had a fun time pretending they were more powerful than they looked, showing myself as exhausted beyond belief after the battle was done and I had slain the pitifully weak leader of the group.
Deciding to pour oil onto the burning fire I lowered my pants and openly relieved myself (not on the corpses I am not a barbarian). The moment I felt movement behind me I groaned an "Arise" in pure delight, the assassin stumbling in disgust for a short instant, just enough to get grabbed from behind by my first shade and get his feet devoured by a horde of tiny spiders.
After making sure I was presentable, I turned around with a welcoming smile, a look of defeat soon appeared on the Argonian's face as he realized he was but a puppet on the strings of my amusement.
"Well now" I began gleefully "A shadowscale delivers itself to me on a silver platter, I do have to admit Astrid really is generous."
Veezara lets out a confused and pained hiss "W-what are you talking about?"
My smile is all teeth "Just imagine what house Telvanni might offer for one of the n'wahs that slaughtered their own" I cross my fingers calculatively "Truly, the kindness of Sithis knows no bounds."
(Flashback end)
The letter in response to my gift read as such:
'Sera Reyvin, I have to admit that I was greatly surprised when I found out a mage of Skyrim was the one to send me the most auspicious gift I received.
I have taken the liberty of researching your exploits and must admit my regret at your first interaction with our house. I must express my great satisfaction that the foolish actions of the exile Moabain did not sour any potential relations and hope that my gift will be sufficient incentive for future cooperation.
You will be happy to know that the slave you presented has managed to do the impossible and a large number of Masters gathered to see it executed in a most satisfying fashion, truly nothing brings such unity to our house as seeing the hated n'wahs suffer.
Your research into dwemertech has also reached my ears, and I have thusly decided to present you with a selection of my own works on the subject as a return gift, I hope that if you ever find yourself in fair Morrowind you will visit my tower in Tel Demen so we may discuss the subject extensively.
Signed: Archmagister Baladas Demnevanni of Great House Telvanni'
'That went far better than it had any right to' are the first thoughts that enter my mind upon reading this. I was lucky the new Archmagister was a canny politician and not one of the insane old farts that usually plague that great house.
Though that may be the exact reason the true powerhouses of the house had elected him in the first place now that I think about it, the eruption of Red Mountain and the subsequent war left their domain mauled and someone competent was needed to get things moving again.
I quickly skim through the notes he left and smile happily when I realize that they would speed up my own research by a massive amount. The Archmagister was renowned to be one of the rare people who could override an automaton or three but with my own specialized way of doing things and his partial knowledge I could rapidly begin working on more advanced models.
Unfortunately such things will have to wait.
After securing my newest treasures I head outside, passing by Nightshade who was busy happily stuffing herself with foods she had never tasted. The Falmer now stood a bit straighter, strands of silver hair growing erratically atop her head and her left eye gleaming a cold blue through the opened scab.
The Falmer pulled her food closer to herself as I neared, her newfound gluttony being one of the few ways she got her mind off of the many failed tests at reviving the true form of her people. I had honestly expected her to grow distrustful and angry after our many failures but each time a Falmer died under our care it only served to rekindle her determination to succeed.
I was genuinely starting to respect the disgusting little genius.
After a short walk I found myself standing in front of a large building at the camp's center, the tower I erected earlier still standing proudly above it.
Tolfdir's abode was more a massive hospital than anything else, his attempts to cure the thralls were slowly bringing results and the constant visits by either Masters Hakan or Colette were becoming a common sight these days.
I passed through the silent halls and soon entered a small room atop the building, the other two Masters already present and waiting for me while they looked over an extremely detailed map of Blackreach.
Only us three were allowed up here, the firm way in which Tolfdir decided that no one else was to meddle in the expedition's leadership, as to avoid possible power plays, served only to grow my admiration for the ancient man.
"You are finally here" Phineas grouches from his seat.
Tolfdir gives me his usual grandfatherly smile "Do not listen to him young Reyvin, us old men should know patience." He smirks at Phineas who merely rolls his eyes.
We exchange greetings and I begin the meeting by asking "Has the time finally come?"
Tolfdir nods slowly "Indeed, we have started coming too close to the main city and any further exploration will be impossible without clearing it out, the next batch of adventurers should be here before the day is out and we need to use them before they become too much of a burden on supplies."
Phineas cackles "How cruel you are Master."
Tolfdir merely huffs "They know the risks of coming down here." and then puffs his chest out proudly "We are here to uncover the history of our lands not enrich ourselves."
I look away while whistling and Phineas bursts into a fit of skeletor-esque laughter.
The oldest man present grumbles something about disrespectful youths and we all trail off.
Soon I realize both of them are staring at me and I huff in indignation "Why do I have to be the one to decide on a plan?"
Both of them smirk and Phineas quips "Why deny you the learning experience?"
Rolling my eyes I quickly come up with a rudimentary plan. Tolfdir would lead the main attack, making sure that our most numerous force didn't get decimated while Phienas would go behind enemy lines and cause another cascade of death.
It was decided that if the undead were seen they would attack the adventurers as well as to make sure they didn't suspect a college mage of using necromancy.
All the while this happened I would lead a specialized unit and clear out the towers and walls while a group of archers followed behind.
An hour later, as we are finally finished with the minor details I nervously scratch my cheek and both of them focus on me immediately.
"What seems to be the problem?" Tolfdir asks, his concerned voice making me wince with guilt.
"Weeeeell..." I trail off and take a deep breath "About that false sun..."
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Surprise condensed statline (As of this chapter) the * signifies a thing that got changed/added
[Name: Reyvin][House: Dagoth]
[Age: 18][Race: Dunmer][Sign: Mage]
[Str: 16][Dex: 17][Vit: 22*][Mind: 33*][Mag: 425*]
Mage:
Destruction Expert:
Pyromancy
Electromancy
Cryomancy
Runecasting
Restoration Expert:
Healing
Solar Magic
Combat Wards
Alteration Adept:
Telekinesis
Self Alteration/Combat Enhancement
Light Spells
Metal Transformation/Transmutation*
Corporeal Transmutation*
Aeromancy
Terramancy
Conjuration Expert:
Bound Weapons
Soulbound Items (Greater Regalia of Dagoth, 5 beast rings, Hand of Magnus, Dyrren's Lament, War Crown)
Umbramancy (Bound shades: Shackled Reach, Chittering Swarm {3/6 slots})
Oblivion Storage
Familiar Summon (Scorch)
Mysticism Adept:
Soul Manipulation
Levitation
Mark And Recall
Elemental Resistance
Clairvoyance* => Sight Beyond Sight*
Illusion Adept:
Sound Manipulation
Emotional Manipulation
Enchantment Master: Enchanting Mastery
Dwemertech Adept*
Alchemy Adept:
Standard Potions/Poisons
Moabain Regeneration Potions
Apprentice (Adept) Tongue:
Fire Breath: Yol, Tor, Shul
Unrelenting Force: Fus, Ro, Dah
Whirlwind Sprint: Wuld
Slow time: Tiid
Become Ethereal: Feim
{Hidden surprise}*
Warrior:
Sword Adept
Spear Adept
Thief:
Apprentice Sneak
Traits:
Fireblood
Blood of Dagoth
Awakened Third Eye
Kyne's BLessing
Minor Warrior's Blessing
Minor Dunmer Paragon
Nordic Paragon
Ashen Bond
Night Vision
Wrath of Dagoth
Chosen of Mephala
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Copy-pasting the stat list was hard, and took great effort. My poor mind can only be healed with judicious application of stone.
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